Personal Journey
7 Letters Honoring my Story
Optimistic Misguided Painful
Chapter 6
Youthful Optimism
Everyday blessings on campus:
“Running the Halls of Brunner Hall”
Memories on Campus
at
Hiwassee College
by
Jason Alan Moser
For 35 years, my grandparents served on the staff at Hiwassee College.
They welcomed students from around the world to our great town, Madisonville, TN.
Established in 1849, Hiwassee College was the oldest two year private college in Tennessee until its closure in 2019.
They were key members of staff and primarily served at Brunner Hall from 1960 to 1995.
My grandparents were followers of Christ and devoted parents to Charles Alan Moser and Kathy Moser-Saffles.
They helped raise four grandchildren, including Brian Saffles, Jamie Moser-Lewis, Jason Moser, and Leah Saffles.
This letter is dedicated to my loving Grandparents:
Charles “Ken” Moser and Lula Mae Moser
of
Madisonville, TN.
My grandfather, Ken Moser, managed the men’s athletic dorm at Brunner Hall.
He ran a tight ship, and you’d often catch me with a clipboard in hand as his second in command.
At Brunner Hall granddad taught me the basics of property management.
My love for hospitality began here. He was a stern man with a deep voice and didn’t shy away from confrontation.
His softer side would come out later in life, but he meant business.
The best part of my day was standing alongside him at our local Walmart, where we stood for hours shaking hands and greeting local shoppers.
Why he did this, I’ll never know, but everyone lit up when they saw us.
My days were spent conducting room checks, and my nights were spent searching for students sneaking in the forbidden drink.
We had fun, we learned lessons, and most of all, I gained valuable knowledge about the human spirit that fuels my purpose today.
Memories of hard-fought tennis matches on the courts near Tom Black were a staple in my childhood.
I would sit for hours on that small wooden bench at center court as local legends battled it out under the bright lights.
Back and forth they’d go until game, set, match. Once the lights went down, we headed back up the hill for that long dark walk back to Brunner.
I’m so thankful my Grandfather instilled in me a tradition that I continue to honor both on and off the court.
My spirit of hospitality and competitiveness runs deep, thanks to my childhood hero.
Everyone said I was your favorite… all I know is your lessons are firmly planted in my mind for eternity.
The Spirit of Hospitality he instilled, and I honor his Legacy daily.
Thanks, Granddad, for a lifetime of memories.
Your Grandson
Jason
In the student center, my sweet Grandmother, Lula Mae Moser, made the best egg sandwiches and Rice Krispy treats south of the Mason-Dixon.
Every Sunday after church, we gathered at Brunner Hall for family dinners made from scratch.
Jamie and I sat across from her at the dinner table on a green leather-wrapped bench next to Granddad.
We laughed, we dined, but most importantly, we loved.
What I wouldn’t give for one more family dinner.
My Grandmother was a kind and gentle spirit.
A lady of dignity and class, she honored her calling daily.
Through her kindness, she built many lifelong friendships on campus.
She ironed clothes for the staff until her carpal tunnel forced her to retire the iron.
She was in tune with the Lord every Sunday morning as she played the piano next to Sister Faye on the organ.
Together, they made music and sang hymns that filled the congregation with the spirit of joy; it was heavenly.
Everyone in Monroe County agrees: Lula Mae Moser was spirit-filled and pursued her purpose through her love of music.
In Brunner Hall, you could often hear the “Sound of Music” that filled the air as her gift moved us all.
“I sat alongside her on that old wooden bench watching the ivory keys dance for days as she flipped through that ole red back hymnal.”
Her presence was centered on stillness, and her calm spirit was so welcoming. Her soothing voice still calms my spirit today.
She was a compassionate and genuine person and I miss her dearly.
Her calling was music; piano her instrument, her kindness she instilled in me for eternity.
Her soft voice and gentle nature will never be forgotten. I’m so thankful she was my Grandmother.
She instilled in me the Spirit of Kindness, and I honor her Legacy daily.
Thanks, Grand Mom
Your Grandson
Jason
“Energy of the Bell”
My favorite place on campus was the student center, where a roll of quarters kept me busy for days playing pinball and ping pong.
I watched my Dad and Granddad battle it out on the Ping Pong table as if they were on center court at Wimbledon.
My sister and I rode our little red moped around campus for a decade until the thread ran thin.
Christmas time was spent doing room checks and running the empty halls.
Every spring, incoming freshmen put soap in the fountain, and bubbles covered the landscape for days, we loved it!!
Our summer days were spent on the high dive as we rained down cannonballs and can openers in that Olympic sized pool.
Summer nights were spent under the lights playing tennis with local legends.
In the winter time we played basketball until the buzzing of the lights escorted us home.
During basketball season you’d find me in the paint wiping up sweat from fallen giants.
At halftime I dropped the towel, grabbed a ball, and fired up 3’s like my life depended on it.
As the second half started, I grabbed my towel, found my seat and watched my heroes play ball.
Every home game felt like March Madness, and if you didn’t get there early, you didn’t get a seat.
Stefano’s pizza by the slice was sold out by halftime. And that old dark stairwell leading to the visitors’ locker still haunts me today.
The roar of the crowd, the smell of popcorn, that huge Tiger’s logo staring back at me still gives me chills today.
Time stands still underneath the shadow of that vintage overhead scoreboard.
Once, we finished 8th in the Nation, and at the end of every season, I balled my eyes out.
Basketball camp was the highlight of my summer, and for all the kids of Monroe County.
Thanks for the memories, Hiwassee.
Hiwassee College and Tigers’ basketball in the 90’s was truly amazing.
I’m thankful I had a front row seat.
“Memories on Campus”
by
Jason Alan Moser
Chapter 7
Misguided Pursuits
Good intentions gone southWEST:
The absence of clarity creates indecision, and the agony of desperation can no longer be hidden.
Indecision made me a desperate man. From coast to coast I drove.
My smile soon faded as optimism turned to sadness. I was never aloof, just painfully aware.
The photo above was taken in September of 2006.
A few days later I met a friend for lunch at Bert’s Hometown Grill, and I told him “my plans” I said I’m headed west.
He was in disbelief. He paid for lunch, and wished me well.
A few days later I drove 32 hours to San Diego, CA. Just a young man in search of meaning.
My plan was to join a church, finish my degree at the San Diego Golf Academy, and pursue my passion for golf.
Plans went south fairly quickly after I found myself at a casino somewhere off I-40.
Thank you Pastor Scott for helping me get home safely.
At 22 years old the equation of life continued to elude me.
Little did I know the answer was with me all along.
Make friends with God, he’s pretty cool.
This letter is dedicated to a friend who always answered my call.
Next time lets head outta town to Etowah and lunch is on me.
Thanks Ryan
Love and Respect
Chapter 8
Disguised Desperation
Indecisive squirrels always perish:
“The road is paved with squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.”
From Myrtle Beach to Louisiana, I ran from God’s calling in my life for longer than I care to admit.
Thankfully, he planted good people along the way to help guide me home safely.
How following this one thing led me further away from God’s purpose.
Early in life, the desires of my heart were misaligned.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalms 37:4)
This letter is dedicated to two friends who always had my back.
A man who gets lost in his own hometown better find a map.
Thank you Cody and Snead
Love and Respect
Chapter 9
Restless Frustration
Resentment is a thief:
This letter is dedicated to my family.
Steve, God’s been moving in my life since we last spoke.
Hopefully, you agree that this honors Dad’s Legacy of Steadfast Faithfulness.
He respected you dearly and often shared childhood stories about his cousins.
Thank you for handling my miscommunication about being a pallbearer.
I was under pressure from others, and I regret that dearly.
I respect you more than you know.
The next coffee is on me.
“Salt of the Earth”
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)
Chapter 10
Justified Resentments
There are none:
“Sometimes the truth stinks.”
Chapter 11
Painful Procrastination
Fear Stifles the Mind
But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy, like calves let out to pasture. (Malachi 4:2)
Chapter 10.5
Pure in Heart
God’s plan for a pure heart:
On the morning of August 17, 2023 I poured myself a cup of coffee, grabbed my laptop, and turned on my favorite local news channel.
Straight from the heart is how I start my day.
My favorite morning news anchor invited locals down for a good cause at Riverside Coffee located in Lenoir City.
I grabbed my best slacks, tucked in my shirt, and headed that way.
I’d recently started working on ways to honor my Father’s legacy.
Both he and my Sister were heavy on my heart that morning.
As I headed down 321 I prayed for the confidence to share my story if the moment presented itself.
As I parked my car I quickly got my answer, it was too soon.
I hadn’t yet crafted a clear message of impact so instead I settled for this great photo.
I also had a wonderful chat with Heather’s sweet Mother.
She’s awfully proud of her girl.
Two years later, I now understand fear and procrastination weren’t the issue that day.
A deeper more spiritual event took place that morning at Riverside Coffee.
I started this letter of impact when I got home that day.
8/17/2023
Today we finish what we started.
10/31/2025
♥
A hand written note from my Dad and another special reminder.
“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8)
Chapter 12
Illusion of Failure
Growth begins here:
In the summer of 2016 I was fired from my dream job
at
the Lodge at Buckberry Creek
When you fail, remember that God is your refuge, your strength, he helps us in our time of need.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
